468 THE WORLD'S WONDERS. 



by. The women numbered about 5,000, but not more than 500 

 svere wives of the king ; the others were for the duties of the 

 nousehold. 



A GRKAT NAVAL BATTLK. 



IN Mtesa's immense army there were but few warriors who 

 nad ever had any experience on water, most of them coming 

 from the interior. His enemies, on the contrary, inhabited large 

 islands in Victoria Lake, which were natural fortresses, and the 

 warriors were in their element when fighting on water. Their 

 number did not exceed 30,000 fighting men, but nevertheless, 

 they presented a formidable force against the inexperienced army 

 sent against them. To add to his disadvantage, Mtesa had only 

 300 canoes, capable of carrying less than 900 men. Many of 

 these boats were 70 feet in length and of corresponding breath 

 and depth, but they were badly manned. Upon reaching the 

 lake, the boats were filled with soldiers and sent across to make 

 a landing on the island, but they were promptly met by the enemy 

 and in the skirmish Mtesa's men were defeated, and thirteen of 

 his canoes captured. This so discouraged him that, at Stanley's 

 suggestion, he tried to build a causeway of stones and trees across 

 the 500 yards which separated the island from the main shore, 

 but abandoned it after 130 yards had been filled. A long period 

 of inaction now ensued, during which Stanley taught Mtesa the 

 principles of Christianity and had a considerable portion of the 

 New Testament translated for his benefit. 



It was not until the 14th of September that Mtesa renewed the 

 war, having found agreeable relaxation from offensive prepara- 

 tions in the pleasant teachings of Stanley. In the morning, in 

 accordance with Mtesa's orders, forty Waganda canoes sallied 

 out from the beach in front of his camps to Nakaranga Point, 

 where they formed in line of battle before the causeway, with the 

 sterns of their canoes fronting Ingira island. 



Mtesa was followed by about three-fourths of his army when 

 he proceeded to the point to view the battle, and with him went 

 the great war-drums, to the number of fifty or thereabouts, and 

 fifes about a hundred, and a great number of men shaking gourds 



